WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF US

WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF US?

Based on Micah 6:8

CHARACTERS

News Reporter

Rev. Grim from the Church of No

Rev. Joy from the Church of Silly String

Rev. Hyper from the Church of Soccer

Micah – prophet from God

A number of followers for each minister

The three church groups, led by their respective ministers (Rev. Hyper is dribbling a soccer ball with his/her feet), come on stage. The followers are holding signs with the following slogans, while they chant…

Church of No followers: Our God is a serious God – stop having fun!

Church of Silly String followers: Our God is a God of surprises – lighten up and play!

Church of Soccer followers: Play hard, play fair – Just do it!

The news reporter comes on stage as the followers begin to quiet down

News Reporter: We’re here today at ______________(name of your church or setting) for a national conference to discuss what God requires of us. Many of the groups attending this conference have very strong opinions. (Turning to Rev. Grim) Uh, you, Sir, what’s your name and what do you think God requires of us?

Rev. Grim: My name is Rev. Grim and I’m from the Church of No. No dancing, no playing cards, no rap music, no country music, no rock and roll music – no music, period, and no laughing – especially in church. That’s what God wants from us; to stop all this silliness and get serious!

Church of No followers: Our God is a serious God! Stop having fun!

Rev. Joy: That’s not what God wants! The God, who made things like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, giraffes, banana peels, and cartoons wants us to enjoy life, to giggle and laugh. God made silly string just to help people like you! (Rev. Joy sprays Rev. Grim with Silly String)

While she is spraying, her followers begin to chant

The Church of Silly String Followers: Our God is a God of surprises! Lighten up and play!

Rev. Hyper: No, you’re both wrong.

News Reporter: Who are you?

Rev. Hyper: I’m the Rev. Dr. Hyper from the church of Soccer, and I know what God really wants. Why did God give us so much energy and the desire to run around and kick things? Because God wants us to play soccer! That’s what God wants! (He/she dribbles the soccer ball down the aisle while his followers chant)

The Church of Soccer followers: Play hard, play fair – just do it!

News Reporter: As you can see it’s pandemonium here with everyone having a different idea! How can we ever figure this out?

Micah runs in with a piece of paper

Micah: I just got an e-mail from God!

News Reporter, Rev.(s) Grim, Joy and Hyper: Who are you?

Micha: I’m the prophet Micah and I just got an e-mail from God settling this whole thing.

Everyone: What does it say???

Micah: Well, after a whole bunch of really funny minister jokes that God forwarded from all over, God ends the e-mail by saying simply, “What does the Lord require of you? That you seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.”

Rev. Joy: “Seek justice?” What does that mean?

Micah: It means to treat everyone fairly. Like not calling them names or picking on them at school.

Rev. Hyper: What about, “loving kindness?”

Micah: Well, it means doing nice things for others, like cleaning your room or doing the dishes.

Rev. Grim: What about “walking humbly with your God?” What does that mean?

Micah: Well, to be humble means that you know God loves you very much, but not any more than anyone else. So to walk humbly with God would mean to spend time learning about God and listening to what God is saying to you, and knowing that other people are doing the same thing, even if they do it differently.

Rev. Joy: Can I still use my silly string?

Micah: Sure, as long as you don’t use it to embarrass other people, or make a mess for someone else to clean up.

Rev. Hyper: Can I still play soccer?

Micah: Sure, just make sure you also use some of your energy to help others.

Rev. Grim: Does this mean God doesn’t mind rap music?

Micah: God made all music and it’s up to us how we use each type. Some rap music helps people by looking at what’s going on in the world around them.

News Reporter: Well, I’m glad we got this all sorted out. So I’m signing off – and don’t forget, what does the Lord require of you?

Everyone: TO SEEK JUSTICE, TO LOVE KINDNESS, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH OUR GOD!

THE END

Deepening Faith: Youth Ministry Resources and Some Miscellaneous Advice

Rev. Lizann Bassham, Front Porch Spirit Press